Project Reveal

So, after a little over 2 months I am happy to call this project completed and reveal the final Telecaster custom project build. Despite a few minor flaws here and there (which are mostly evident only to me) the guitar came out as well or better than I'd hoped.  I resisted plugging it in to play at all until the full set up was complete (except just to test the electronics and that I'd soldered the pickups and output jack properly).  While it is quite a bit heavier than the average electric guitar, it feels comfortable to hold, the action is low and the sound from the Tonerider pickups is incredible.  Somewhat 'tele twang' but with clear and searing tone that responds to added gain really well.  The finish is acceptable, although not the mirror polish that I'd strived for.  I do, however, like the way the balance of colors came together.




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Blog Navigation

Welcome to the Telecaster Project Build blog.  Posts are listed in reverse chronological order, or can be selected via the tiny menu icon at top left.  You might also start at one of the page links above for an overview. Thanks for checking it out....
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Lessons Learned

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Ok, so every project ends with lessons learned.  If it doesn't, you aren't working hard enough or you have been doing it too long and need to move on to something else.  Me, on the other hand, I end most projects with plenty of lessons; though I try not to, I make mistakes!  And while not always sure that I will try again and benefit from the experience, there is no point in repeating what is avoidable.  I often try new things and move on to the next project, so mistakes are common along the way.  Here's how you can benefit from mine.
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Final Hardware Assembly

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Final assembly involved many straggling tasks not yet done or committed to, in addition to the obvious stringing the neck up and plugging it in to watch the sparks fly (hopefully not literally, although there is always the possibility I guess…..!).  This project had been two months in the making at this point, and I was really eager to actually play it.  I decided not to wait for weeks on the headstock paint as I had done for the body.  After the headstock was sanded and polished, it was game-on for the final build.
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